What is a casual sale?

“Casual sale” is a sale of tangible personal property by a person not engaged in the business of selling such tangible personal property. While most casual sales are exempt from sales tax under R.C. 5739.02(B)(8), that provision specifically excludes the transfer of a motor vehicle from the definition of casual sale. As a result, a motor vehicle purchased in a casual sale is subject to sales or use tax, and the tax must be paid to the clerk of courts at the time of title transfer.

John purchased a car from a motor vehicle dealer in 2011. He paid all applicable sales tax at the time of purchase. In 2013, John sold the car to Sue for $10,000.00. When Sue transfers the title from John’s name into hers, she must pay sales tax on the $10,000.00 price to the clerk of court's title office.

2.) Trade

Tim and Scott have agreed to trade their vehicles. No money will be exchanged because they feel this is an even trade. When Tim and Scott transfer the titles into their names, they must pay sales tax on the fair market value of the traded vehicle to the clerk of court's title office.

3.) Bartering

Steve is building custom cabinets for his friend Rick. Rick has agreed to give Steve his vehicle in exchange for the cabinets instead of paying him in cash. After the cabinets have been installed, Steve will receive title to the vehicle. When Steve goes to the clerk of court's title office, he must pay sales tax on the fair market value of the services he provided to his friend Rick.

4.) Loan Assumption

Betty has a loan on her SUV. She has decided to sell her vehicle to Jeff. Betty and Jeff go to her finance company and have the loan refinanced in his name. No money changes hands and Betty is not making a profit from the sale. When Jeff goes to the clerk of court's title office, he must pay sales tax on the balance of the loan he assumed.

Frequently Asked Questions Tool

The Ohio Department of Taxation has compiled a list of frequently asked questions covering many different categories.

To view the questions, click on the "Select Category" bar and then click on the category you are interested in. A list of questions will appear pertaining to that category. Then click on the question you are inquiring about and the answer will appear.

Is the consumer entitled to a tax credit for taxes paid to another state?

Generally, yes. Credit is given for the amount of sales or use tax legally paid to another state or jurisdiction. Proof of tax paid to the other jurisdiction must be provided to the clerk of courts. If the amount paid to the other jurisdiction equals or exceeds the Ohio use tax due, no additional tax is due.

For vehicles leased outside Ohio after February 1, 2002, and subsequently moved into Ohio, the balance of the lease charges due after the leased vehicle is brought into Ohio is subject to Ohio’s up front sales tax. If the other state taxed the lease up front, credit is given for the other state’s sales or use tax. If the other state’s tax equals or exceeds the Ohio tax, no additional tax is due. If the other state taxed the lease on the monthly payments, no credit is allowed for the tax paid to the other state for the months prior to the vehicle entering Ohio. Tax is due “up front” on the total of the balance of the remaining lease payments.

No credit is given for sales, use or similar taxes paid to a foreign country, such as Canada, Mexico, Germany, etc.

Is the consumer entitled to a tax credit for taxes paid to another state?

Generally, yes. Credit is given for the amount of sales or use tax legally paid to another state or jurisdiction. Proof of tax paid to the other jurisdiction must be provided to the clerk of courts. If the amount paid to the other jurisdiction equals or exceeds the Ohio use tax due, no additional tax is due.

For vehicles leased outside Ohio after February 1, 2002, and subsequently moved into Ohio, the balance of the lease charges due after the leased vehicle is brought into Ohio is subject to Ohio’s up front sales tax. If the other state taxed the lease up front, credit is given for the other state’s sales or use tax. If the other state’s tax equals or exceeds the Ohio tax, no additional tax is due. If the other state taxed the lease on the monthly payments, no credit is allowed for the tax paid to the other state for the months prior to the vehicle entering Ohio. Tax is due “up front” on the total of the balance of the remaining lease payments.

No credit is given for sales, use or similar taxes paid to a foreign country, such as Canada, Mexico, Germany, etc.

Is the consumer entitled to a tax credit for taxes paid to another state?

Generally, yes. Credit is given for the amount of sales or use tax legally paid to another state or jurisdiction. Proof of tax paid to the other jurisdiction must be provided to the clerk of courts. If the amount paid to the other jurisdiction equals or exceeds the Ohio use tax due, no additional tax is due.

For vehicles leased outside Ohio after February 1, 2002, and subsequently moved into Ohio, the balance of the lease charges due after the leased vehicle is brought into Ohio is subject to Ohio’s up front sales tax. If the other state taxed the lease up front, credit is given for the other state’s sales or use tax. If the other state’s tax equals or exceeds the Ohio tax, no additional tax is due. If the other state taxed the lease on the monthly payments, no credit is allowed for the tax paid to the other state for the months prior to the vehicle entering Ohio. Tax is due “up front” on the total of the balance of the remaining lease payments.

No credit is given for sales, use or similar taxes paid to a foreign country, such as Canada, Mexico, Germany, etc.